--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: You can’t tolerate a decent and swift…" description: "\"“You can’t tolerate a decent and swift conclusion to a skirmish between an individual and what you call society, as long as you have it in your power t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e57/rex-stout-2846_law_you-can-t-tolerate-a-decent-and-swift-co_1248169.jpg" --- # You can’t tolerate a decent and swift conclusion to a… ![“You can’t tolerate a decent and swift conclusion to a skirmish between an individual and what you call society, as long as you have it in your power to turn it into a ghastly and prolonged struggle; the victim must squirm like a worm in your fingers, not for ten minutes, but for ten months. Pfui!…” quote by Rex Stout](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e57/rex-stout-2846_law_you-can-t-tolerate-a-decent-and-swift-co_1248169.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e57/rex-stout-2846_law_you-can-t-tolerate-a-decent-and-swift-co_1248169.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e57/rex-stout-2846_law_you-can-t-tolerate-a-decent-and-swift-co_1248169.jpg) > ““You can’t tolerate a decent and swift conclusion to a skirmish between an individual and what you call society, as long as you have it in your power to turn it into a ghastly and prolonged struggle; the victim must squirm like a worm in your fingers, not for ten minutes, but for ten months. Pfui! I don’t like the law. It was not I, but a great philosopher, who said that the law is an ass.”” [Rex Stout](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rex-stout/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The law can be twisted into a prolonged, painful ordeal, turning swift justice into a lingering torment for the victim. **In simple terms:** Law may become a cruel, extended punishment. Key Takeaway Avoid prolonging conflicts through legal means. Themes justice law power victim conflict Mood critical analytical Type philosophical political When to use this quote - court cases - civil disputes - personal grievances - authoritarian regimes Key Concepts legal manipulation power dynamics Questions to Reflect On - Do you see law as a tool or a weapon? - How can swift justice be ensured? A Different Perspective Legal systems can protect rights; not always oppressive. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Law](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/law/) [Philosopher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosopher/) ## Related quotes > [An old philosopher said to Monsieur Coignard, a Reverend Father: 'You are a pig!' To which Abad Coignard answered: 'You flatter me, sir. 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